Sure, COVID has blanketed stage performances with storm clouds, but a silver lining for the performing arts has been than costs for presenting shows has been dramatically reduced—specifically, producing virtual festivals has been remarkable for the savings offered by eliminating travel expenses. (Right? Let’s find some positive spin!) With a

Traveling, exploring the outdoors and encouraging young, would-be writers are what stoke fantasy author Frank Morin’s creativity and help bring his mysterious and magical stories to life. Growing up on a small farm in Lewiston, Maine, where he learned to work hard and dream greatly, Morin says he read everything

Artist Kristen O’Neill remembers playing with childhood friends in the wild landscape of the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. The natural beauty and freedom formed the pathway for the visionary and budding activist that she is today. “Everybody knew everybody, for generations back,” O’Neill recalls of her hometown, Redwood City.

It was nearing the end of the Great Depression when sculptor Stephan Seable moved to Portland as a young child. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the encouragement from family to pursue his great desire for art, Seable’s creations leave an indelible signature of his deep-rooted

Electric violins are standard violins with built-in electronic components. They have been just recently introduced to the public so its credibility is not that high compared to the traditional acoustic violins. But its features are quite distinct for it is easier to master, especially for beginners, and not high maintenance.

  Rogue Valley Messenger: The festival will be hosted online this year. It is a fascinating change: AIFF will be available on FilmFestivalFlix.com. Can you give some insights into this business? Both the idea of online film festivals:  Is this a new, emerging industry?  And what is it about FilmFestivalFlix.com that attracted AIFF to

While accountability gets tossed around the nightly news faster than a hot potato these days, Shut Up & Write members around the world make it a top priority, committing to gathering weekly, regardless of global circumstances, with one goal in mind—write! Based out of San Francisco, Shut Up & Write

“I truly believe art is about expressing yourself with a growth mindset,” says Jenay Elder.   Flowers, at least some varieties, can bloom in the worst of circumstances. Elder is blossoming too in these uncertain times—growing her business online. Usually, she conducts classes and demos at Art & Soul Gallery below

Rogue Valley Messenger: There is quite a robust lineup this year.  What is the decision making process for determining what plays to present?  SAO: As our name implies, we meet together to discuss scripts and ideas for each season. In crafting the 2020 Season, we wanted fun, yet thought-provoking material

  We’ve all been there—struck with a surge of creative inspiration and determined to tackle that unfinished project collecting dust. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for our ambition to be overpowered by our lack of tools, space, or skills. But luckily there’s a solution for budding-builders, and it comes in